Focus Annual Enrollment for 2012 Annual Enrollment is October 24 November 18. Your health care plan is changing you must take action. During Annual Enrollment, you must make an election to choose a new medical plan: GE Health Benefits Option 1, 2 or 3. GE Health Benefits will replace GE Health Care Preferred, GE Medical Benefits and alternative health plans. You will no longer be eligible to continue with your current plan. Unlike past years, this year you must make a medical plan election or elect to waive coverage. The pages that follow contain more information on the three GE Health Benefits options, as well as other changes you ll see in Annual Enrollment this year. If you take no action and you are currently enrolled in coverage, you will automatically be enrolled in GE Health Benefits Option 1, at the same coverage level (1-Person, 2-Person, or 3-or-More-Persons) you have today. This newsletter contains a brief overview of your new health care options and lets you know wh at you need to do to enroll for 2012. For the most comprehensive overview of the new GE Health Benefits plan, please refer to the en nrollment guide that was sent to your home in Septemb ber, or visit ge.com/healthahead. GE Health Benefits Focus A 1
What s changing Your options Medical GE Health Benefits What you need to do This year you must enroll in GE Health Benefits Option 1, 2 or 3. (Or, you may waive coverage.) Also, you can add or remove dependents from coverage only during Annual Enrollment.* Dental and Vision The way the dental and vision plans work remains the same. However, the plans have been enhanced with additional coverage. See page 3 for details. Elections can be changed, and you may add or remove dependents only during Annual Enrollment.* Savings Accounts Health Care and Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); Health Savings Accounts (HSAs); Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) We strongly encourage you to consider funding savings accounts to help pay for eligible expenses. GE Health Benefits Option 1 and 2 participants may elect a Health Care FSA. Option 3 participants may elect to fund a Health Savings Account (HSA), as well as a Limited Purpose FSA, which pays for eligible dental and vision expenses only. All participants are eligible to elect a Dependent Day Care FSA. FSA elections can be changed only during Annual Enrollment.* FSA participation does not continue year to year, so new and current participants must enroll during Annual Enrollment. GE Health Option 1 and 2 participants will receive a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) credit. This is a tax-free account opened for you automatically when you enroll in Option 1 or Option 2. It s money you can use to directly reduce your deductible. *Certain elections may be changed outside of the Annual Enrollment period if you experience a qualified status change such as marriage or the loss of coverage you had through your spouse s employer. Please note that qualified status changes allow you to change certain elections only. For instance, the birth of a child qualifies you to add a dependent and/or change your FSA election. It would not qualify you to change your plan option. Changes must be made within 63 days of the qualifying event. What s not changing Your options Working Spouse Contribution Life, Disability and Long- Term Care Insurance What you need to do Employees whose employed spouse or same-sex domestic partner is enrolled in GE health coverage, instead of enrolling in medical coverage offered by his or her own employer, pay more for coverage. You confirm your spouse s status once a year during Annual Enrollment. You can change your elections in these plans at any time during the year they are not part of Annual Enrollment. Proof of good health may be required. How to Make Your Elections Annual Enrollment: October 24 November 18 Visit benefits.ge.com from any computer, 24/7. Click the Annual Enrollment link in the Take Action Now section. The easy instructions will guide you through the process. You can also make your elections by calling the GE Benefits Center at 1-800-252-5259, option 4, during Annual Enrollment. Outside the U.S., call 1-904-828-6194. Special hours of telephone operation for Annual Enrollment: Monday Friday: 7 a.m. 7 p.m., Eastern time Saturdays October 29, November 5 and November 12: 9 a.m. 1 p.m., Eastern time Open Veterans Day, November 11: 7 a.m. 7 p.m., Eastern time 2 GE Health Benefits Focus A
Take advantage of local resources If informational meetings and teleconferences are available in your area, try to attend. These are great opportunities to ask questions and get informed. Check with your HR or local business intranet site for listings. In many locations, new specially trained local representatives will be available to provide one-on-one local support and answer questions regarding your health care coverage. Dental care improvements: Implant coverage added The GE Dental Schedule Option (DSO) and the GE Dental Premium Option (DPO) will add coverage for dental implants up to 50% of reasonable, necessary and customary charges. Effective for services received on or after January 1, 2012, the amount you pay will count toward the plan maximum for restorative and prosthodontic services. The maximums are $2,500 bi-annually under the DSO, and $2,500 annually for the DPO. Vision care improvements: Free contact lenses and scratch resistant coatings Effective January 1, 2012, under the Vision Standard Option, the co-payment will be eliminated for in-network purchases of up to four boxes (up from two) of collection contact lenses a year for those under 19, and four boxes every other year for those over 19. The $20 co-pay for scratch resistant coating on eyeglass lenses will also be eliminated. Also, both the Vision Standard Option and the Vision Premium Option will be expanded to include new coverage for plan participants diagnosed with low vision who require certain types of vision aids. GE Health Benefits Focus A 3
How GE Health Benefits works The new GE Health Benefits plan provides you with all the same coverage as the current plans, but the plan changes the way you pay for health care. 6 Choose the option (Option 1, 2 or 3) that works best for you. 6 You pay health care costs until the deductible is reached. 6 Once the deductible is met, co-insurance begins. 6 If the out-of-pocket maximum is met, GE pays 100% of the covered expenses. Coverage is the same in all three options; your cost and how you pay differs. In Options 1 and 2, GE provides a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to help offset the deductible. Co-insurance means you pay 20% of the cost and GE pays 80% (in-network). The amount of co-insurance that a participant pays is capped. The out-of-pocket maximum is the combination of the deductible and the co-insurance maximum. What if I take no action or waive coverage for 2012? If you take no action, you will automatically be enrolled in GE Health Benefits Option 1, at the same coverage level (1-Person, 2-Persons, or 3-or-More Persons) that you have today. If you waive coverage, you will not be able to enroll in GE medical coverage until Annual Enrollment for 2013, unless you experience a qualified status change. Also, if you waive coverage, which includes prescription drug coverage and vision coverage (as they are both part of the medical plan), you can elect to participate in a GE Dental Care Option and enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). 6 Need help estimating your expenses? My Enrollment Guide (MEG) is an online tool to help you estimate your health care expenses and make decisions about your 2012 benefits. For more details on MEG, as well as other resources, see page 10. 4 GE Health Benefits Focus A
During Annual Enrollment, you will be offered three options Coverage is the same across all three; how you pay differs. To make your decision, you need to consider questions such as: taken out of each paycheck? Are you more comfortable with higher payroll contributions and a lower deductible (Option 1) or the other way around (Option 3)? you prefer? Do you want a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) funded by GE to help pay some of your deductible (Option 1 or 2)? Or would you prefer to open and fund your own Health Savings Account (Option 3)? OPTION 1 OPTION 2 OPTION 3 Payroll Contributions Highest Deductible and Co-insurance Maximum Lowest Savings Accounts GE-funded HRA Employee-funded FSA You pay the most in payroll contributions, but you have the lowest deductible. Payroll Contributions Lower Deductible and Co-insurance Maximum Higher Savings Accounts GE-funded HRA Employee-funded FSA You pay less in payroll contributions than in Option 1, but your deductible is slightly higher. Payroll Contributions Lowest Deductible and Co-insurance Maximum Highest Savings Accounts Employee-funded HSA Employee-funded LPFSA (dental and vision only) You pay the least in payroll contributions, but have the highest deductible. For more details on GE Health Benefits To learn more about how the plan works, review the GE Health Benefits Guide that was sent to you in September or visit www.ge.com/healthahead. You can also find information on costs and wellness resources, as well as decision profiles to help you make your choice. GE Health Benefits Focus A 5
What you need to know about savings accounts Health Reimbursement Accounts and Health Savings Accounts All three GE Health Benefits options offer savings accounts to help you pay for eligible health care expenses with tax-free dollars. Option 1 and 2 Account (HRA); and Spending Account (FSA). Option 3 Account (HSA); and Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA). Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) Options 1 and 2 This is a tax-free account opened for you automatically when you enroll in Option 1 or Option 2. It s money you can use to directly reduce your deductible. GE will credit your HRA on January 1, 2012, as follows: $600f0 for 1-person coverage $900f0 for 2-person coverage $1,200 for 3-or-more persons Key things to know The amount in your HRA is provided tax-free. If you don t use your entire HRA balance during the year, it will roll over to the following year. If you switch to Option 3, leave GE or are terminated, the balance in your HRA will be forfeited. You cannot use your HRA to pay for dental or vision expenses. Health Savings Account (HSA) Option 3 If you enroll in Option 3, the IRS permits you to open and fund a tax-free savings account to pay your share of qualified medical expenses. You own your HSA even if you change health plans or jobs. It s your money. Any funds you don t use in one year will roll over to the next. Most health care, dental and vision expenses are eligible. Key things to know You can choose to enroll in a GE-sponsored bank or outside bank. Your HSA earns interest, and once the balance exceeds $2,000, you can choose to invest it similar to how an IRA works. Specific HSA bank rules and fees may apply. In 2012, the IRS allows you to contribute up to $3,100 for single coverage, and up to $6,250 for 2-or-more person coverage. If you are 55 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000. You can use your HSA to pay for dental or vision expenses. A dependent (up to 26 years old) must still be a dependent on your tax return in order for his or her qualified medical expenses to be paid by your HSA dollars. HSA payroll contribution amounts can be adjusted throughout the year. Save your receipts in case you are audited by the IRS or are asked to provide proof. You can make regular payroll deductions to your HSA. If you open an HSA with your benefits administrator s partner bank, you can contribute through payroll deductions on a pre-tax basis. UnitedHealthcare, that bank is OptumHealth Bank. JPMorgan Chase. Mellon Bank. Blue Shield of Alabama, it s also Mellon Bank. HealthAmerica, it s HealthEquity. 6 GE Health Benefits Focus A
Additional ways to save for health care expenses Flexible Spending Accounts FSA contributions are spread evenly in each paycheck throughout the year; however, the full FSA election is available for you to use January 1. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options 1 and 2 If you elect Options 1 or 2, the IRS permits you to open this account to set aside a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses, including dental and vision expenses. You do not need to be enrolled in GE Health Benefits to elect a Health Care FSA. Most health care, dental and vision expenses are eligible. Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) Option 3 If you elect Option 3, you can open this account to set aside a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis to pay for dental and vision expenses only. The IRS does not permit use for any medical expenses. Key things to know If you currently have an FSA, your 2011 election will not carry over to 2012. You will need to enroll and select your contribution amount for 2012. Bank of America administers the Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), the Flexible Spending Account (FSA), the Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) and the Dependent Day Care FSA. While they are separate accounts, you ll get one debit card (applicable for HRA, FSA and LPFSA only), and all of the accounts can be managed through Bank of America s Online Portal, accessible through ge.com/healthahead. In 2012, you can contribute up to $5,000 to your FSA or LPFSA and have it available January 1. But if you don t use all the money by March 15 of the following year you will lose it. You should contribute to an FSA if you think you ll spend more than the money GE deposits in your HRA, or will have significant expenses in 2012. You cannot contribute to your HSA until April 1, 2012, if you have money remaining in your FSA on January 1, 2012. You should contribute to an LPFSA if you think you ll have significant dental or vision expenses in 2012. Dependent Day Care FSA Available to all employees eligible for health care, this account can be used to pay for child care or adult care for a qualified dependent so that you and your spouse, if you are married, can work. To qualify, day care expenses must provide for the well-being and protection of an eligible dependent under 13 years of age or any other dependent, including a spouse, who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself/herself. An FSA can help you reduce your taxable income and maximize your health care dollars. GE Health Benefits Focus A 7
Pharmacy Benefits Administered by CVS Caremark Your medical and pharmacy costs count toward your deductible. This means you must pay for all of your prescriptions until you meet your deductible, except where noted. Benefits and Coverages Retail In-network: up to a 30-day supply Generic: $12 co-pay, after deductible Brand: 30% co-insurance, after deductible Specialty: $30 co-pay, no deductible for Options 1 and 2, Option 3 after deductible Targeted: $12 co-pay, no deductible for Options 1 and 2, Option 3 after deductible Out-of-network: no coverage Brand/generic difference applies Mail In-network: up to a 90-day supply Generic: $24 co-pay, after deductible Brand: 20% co-insurance, after deductible Specialty: $90 co-pay, no deductible for Options 1 and 2, Option 3 after deductible Targeted: $24 co-pay, no deductible for Options 1 and 2, Option 3 after deductible Out-of-network: no coverage Brand/generic difference applies Definitions Brand/generic difference: If you or your doctor requests a brand-name prescription drug when a lower-cost generic or co-branded substitute is available, you pay the difference in price, in addition to your co-pay or co-insurance unless the brandname drug is medically necessary as determined by the prescription drug benefits administrator. Specialty drugs are generally used for the treatment of serious illnesses, (e.g., cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV positive). They must be filled through CVS Caremark for co-pays to apply. Otherwise, drugs provided by your physician will be considered medical charges and may be subject to deductible and co-insurance. Targeted drugs are for certain lifestyle conditions, such as diabetes and smoking cessation. Diabetic Supplies at no cost Retail/Mail In-network: 100% no deductible Out-of-network: no coverage co-pays and co-insurance apply alcohol swabs) and related insulin pump supplies (e.g., cartridges, sensors, reservoirs and tubing) Medical Plan) covered after deductible Take advantage of $4 and $10 generic prescriptions with CVS Caremark CVS Caremark and GE are teaming up to offer GE Health Benefits participants a low-cost $4 and $10 generic program. Starting January 1, 2012, CVS Caremark will provide listed generic drugs in both CVS retail stores and by mail order. To view the list of plan generics, go to ge.com/healthahead, click on the Health Care Decisions tab and select Know & Save under the Health Benefits section. 8 GE Health Benefits Focus A
Access a wealth of useful tools and information through ge.com/healthahead New for 2012 Health Coach from GE: A family of resources for your health and wellness Starting January 2012, Health Coach will again expand its scope to offer additional support in helping you use and manage your GE Health Benefits plan. Since 2006, Health Coach has been helping GE employees and families choose high-quality doctors and hospitals, prepare for office visits, and gain a better understanding of their diagnoses and treatment options. In 2010, Health Coach also began offering lifestyle coaching and after-hours services. For questions about your medical plan such as coverage, claims and network issues your first call should always be to the plan administrator. But if your issue is not resolved, you can turn to Health Coach for assistance. Call Health Coach from GE at 1-866-272-6007. The new HealthAhead portal is your home for everything related to health and wellness. You ll find a wide range of tools, programs and information to help you choose and use your plan option, find quality care, understand treatment options, and get healthier. Go to the site anytime to access the following resources and many more. Treatment Cost Calculator: Before you get the care, get the cost Look for an exciting new tool from GE and Thomson Reuters in 2012 that will help you comparison shop for your medical care, just as you would for any other major purchase. It uses your actual coverage information to estimate your share of the costs. In minutes, you can: Search for a medical treatment, service or condition Review a general estimate of your costs Find physicians, hospitals and clinics in your area Compare providers by quality, cost and location The Treatment Cost Calculator offers: specialty options Access the site anywhere, anytime. Go to treatmentcostcalculator.com/ge and bookmark it on your smartphone. GE MyHealthIQ Wellness Portal This portal can provide the personalized information you and your family members need to assess your health and take action with the tools that are right for you. It also provides more than 3,600 healthcare articles, images and illustrations on diseases, conditions, symptoms, injuries, nutrition and other preventive health care topics. To access the portal, visit ge.com/healthahead and select the orange Health Care Decisions tab. My Interactive Health Guide: A new video-based tool to help you choose your plan This tool uses WAHI (Web Automated Human Interaction) technology to help you make an informed plan selection. Based on the data you enter, the tool interacts with you, learns about your needs and preferences, and tailors its message to provide a truly personal experience. The tool will help you work through your options and clearly understand the pros and cons of each one. Just follow the directions and see where the conversation takes you. To access the My Interactive Health Guide tool, go to ge.com/healthahead and click on the orange Health Care Decisions tab. GE Health Benefits Focus A 9
Estimating your 2012 expenses Use My Enrollment Guide (MEG) at benefits.ge.com. MEG is an online tool to help you estimate your expenses and make decisions about your 2012 health care and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) benefits. You can enter various health care scenarios and expense estimates to generate a comparison of your plan options, and how much you could save with an FSA. To access MEG, go to benefits.ge.com and click Annual Enrollment Elections under Take Action Now. Please note, the MEG tool is only available during the Annual Enrollment period, and it is a way to estimate expenses. You cannot make your elections through MEG. Health Answers Your one-stop shop for a range of health care related information. When you have a health question go to ge.com/healthahead, click on the orange Health Care Decisions tab and click on Health Answers under the Tools & Resources section. Whether you re looking for information about a medical condition or a new medical ID card, Health Answers can provide the information you need anytime. Review your personalized health care cost summary In September you received a summary of your total health care claims costs from 2010 and the first half of 2011. These numbers, for you and your covered dependents, can be very useful in helping you to estimate your 2012 expenses and choose your plan option. As a reminder, this letter came from Thomson Reuters, one of GE s health care suppliers, but GE has no knowledge of the personal information contained in the letter. Access Health Answers anywhere, anytime. Bookmark the mobile site: ge.com/mobile/myhealth/us/healthanswers/healthanswers.html and add the Health Answers icon to your iphone or BlackBerry device. 10 GE Health Benefits Focus A
Costs by Pay and Option This chart shows your payroll contributions and the most you may have to pay for your deductible and co-insurance maximum for each of the three GE Health Benefits options if you use in-network doctors and hospitals. Annual pay is defined as your normal straight time pay and does not include overtime or night-shift bonus. Options 1 and 2 come with a GE-funded HRA: $600 for 1-person coverage each year $900 for 2-person coverage each year $1,200 for 3-or-more persons each year Further details on an HRA and other saving account options are on page 6. Dental and Vision Plan Participation in the Dental Schedule Option and Vision Standard Option benefits are provided at no payroll deductions. However, employee contributions for the Dental Premium Option and the Vision Premium Option will be higher. 1 Person Coverage 2 Person Coverage 3+ Persons Coverage Annual Employee Contribution Dental Premium Option $168 $336 $504 Vision Premium Option $102 $204 $306 Medical Contributions* Annual Pay Range Annual Payroll Contribution Annual Deductible Annual Co-insurance Maximum Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 1-Person Up to $24,999 $ 631 $ 131 $ 0 $ 800 $1,200 $1,600 $ 450 $1,450 $1,950 $25,000 $37,499 $ 748 $ 248 $ 0 $ 800 $1,200 $1,600 $ 450 $1,450 $1,950 $37,500 $49,999 $ 818 $ 468 $ 0 $ 800 $1,200 $1,600 $ 950 $1,450 $1,950 $50,000 $74,999 $1,029 $ 679 $ 25 $ 800 $1,200 $1,600 $1,250 $1,750 $2,250 $75,000 $99,999 $1,286 $ 936 $ 136 $ 800 $1,200 $1,600 $1,750 $2,250 $2,750 $100,000 $149,999 $1,613 $1,263 $ 438 $ 800 $1,200 $1,600 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 $150,000 or more $2,151 $1,801 $ 851 $ 800 $1,200 $1,600 $2,500 $3,000 $3,500 2-Person Up to $24,999 $1,262 $ 262 $ 25 $1,600 $2,400 $3,200 $ 675 $2,175 $2,925 $25,000 $37,499 $1,496 $ 496 $ 25 $1,600 $2,400 $3,200 $ 675 $2,175 $2,925 $37,500 $49,999 $1,636 $ 936 $ 25 $1,600 $2,400 $3,200 $1,425 $2,175 $2,925 $50,000 $74,999 $2,057 $1,357 $ 50 $1,600 $2,400 $3,200 $1,875 $2,625 $3,375 $75,000 $99,999 $2,571 $1,871 $ 271 $1,600 $2,400 $3,200 $2,625 $3,375 $4,125 $100,000 $149,999 $3,226 $2,526 $ 876 $1,600 $2,400 $3,200 $3,750 $4,500 $5,250 $150,000 or more $4,301 $3,601 $1,701 $1,600 $2,400 $3,200 $3,750 $4,500 $5,250 3-or-More Persons Up to $24,999 $1,575 $ 325 $ 50 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $ 900 $2,900 $3,900 $25,000 $37,499 $1,870 $ 620 $ 50 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $ 900 $2,900 $3,900 $37,500 $49,999 $2,048 $1,173 $ 50 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $1,900 $2,900 $3,900 $50,000 $74,999 $2,571 $1,696 $ 63 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $2,500 $3,500 $4,500 $75,000 $99,999 $3,216 $2,341 $ 341 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $3,500 $4,500 $5,500 $100,000 $149,999 $4,030 $3,155 $1,095 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 $150,000 or more $5,376 $4,501 $2,126 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 Deductible + Co-insurance Maximum = Out-of-Pocket Maximum To determine the highest amount you may have to pay, add across the chart. Remember, GE helps offset the costs in Options 1 and 2 by funding a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA). Of course, your total costs depend upon the health care you actually receive during the year and whether you use in-network doctors and hospitals. *State surcharges will apply to residents in New York, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine. GE Health Benefits Focus A 11
How to make your Annual Enrollment elections Don t wait until the last minute to make your elections. Enroll early to avoid possible wait times! benefits.ge.com available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from any computer with Internet access. The GE Benefits Center 1-800-252-5259, option 4 (Outside the U.S.: 1-904-828-6194) Monday Friday: 7 a.m. 7 p.m., Eastern time Saturdays: October 29, November 5 and November 12: 9 a.m. 1 p.m., Eastern time Holidays: Open Veterans Day, November 11: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eastern time Want information on the go? Listen to a podcast! Annual Enrollment podcasts feature short audio recordings that focus on specific benefit plans. Podcasts are available on the main page of benefits.ge.com. Your Annual Enrollment Checklist Review your needs You must take action HSA in 2012. Other items to consider: 1. Do you need to update covered dependents or working spouse status? 2. Are you enrolled in an FSA? Will your FSA eligible expenses increase or decrease next year? Have you considered using an FSA to help meet your plan s deductible and pay co-insurance? 3. If you choose Option 3, we strongly encourage you to also open an HSA account to save for health care expenses with pre-tax dollars. 4. MEG (My Enrollment Guide) at benefits.ge.com provides personalized cost and option comparisons. 5. ge.com/healthahead offers decision-making tools as well as resources that provide in-depth information about your health care options. 6. Listen to the Annual Enrollment podcasts at benefits.ge.com or ge.com/healthahead. Make your elections Visit benefits.ge.com from any computer, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You will find the Annual Enrollment link in the Take Action Now section. The easy, on-screen instructions will guide you through the process. 1. Use the Click here for your 2012 Annual Enrollment elections link to begin. 2. You need to click Submit at the bottom of the Enrollment Summary page. Then review your elections and click Submit again. You can also make your elections by calling the GE Benefits Center at 1-800-252-5259, option 4, during Annual Enrollment. Note that you will need your PIN for your election request to be processed. Don t forget to Submit your elections! Your elections are saved, but NOT FINAL, until submitted. 12 GE Health Benefits Focus A